Tuesday, 14 July 2015
PM Calls at French Embassy on National Holiday
On the French Republic’s National Holiday Day, Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan visited the Embassy of France in Armenia.
On behalf of the Government of Armenia and himself, congratulating Ambassador Jean-Francois Charpentier, the embassy staff and the friendly people of France on the National Holiday of France - Bastille Day, the Premier stated in part, “I am proud to state that underpinned by mutual trust, our bilateral relations can be rightfully described as privileged. The Armenian and French peoples are bound with centuries-old historical and cultural ties. Top-level political dialogue is established between our countries, evidenced by a comprehensive dialogue and intensive contacts between our presidents.
Another proof of the ongoing exemplary cooperation between Armenia and France was my recent visit to France, during which my delegation was shown a warm welcome, for which I would like once again to express sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister of France and the French authorities.
Expanding trade and economic ties is of primary importance on the Armenian-French cooperation agenda. Inter-parliamentary ties and decentralized cooperation between individual administrative units of Armenia and France have significantly expanded over the course of about 23 years of diplomatic relations. Consulates-General of Armenia have been inaugurated in Lyon and Marseille. Lively cultural and scientific interaction is on in the scientific and cultural fields. Two years ago, the French Development Agency launched its operations in Armenia.
Joined by Armenia some 3 years ago, Francophonie is one of the best platforms for Armenian-French effective collaboration. Indeed, all of these achievements were largely promoted by the two countries’ diplomatic missions, which have been operating for over two decades now.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you, Mr. Ambassador, and the French Embassy staff for your important mission aimed at furthering the Armenian-French cooperation.
I cannot help mentioning your country’s importance as a OSCE Minsk Group co-chair and its involvement in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. We highly appreciate the efforts made by France to promote regional peace and stability. I am confident that the ties between Armenia and France will keep on developing to the benefit of our two nations.
Taking this opportunity, I would like to congratulate our compatriots living in France who, apart from contributing to political, economic and cultural life in France, are serving as a bridge of friendship between the two countries.
Reiterating my congratulations on this wonderful holiday day, I wish peace and prosperity to the friendly people of France and ever new achievements to the Armenian-French relations.”
